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K A
T
A S
Traditional
Isshin-Ryu Empty Hand Katas
(Click on the kata name
for a video of Master Shimabuku running the kata)
-
Seisan – a beginning
kata of unknown origin, the Shorin-Ryu Seisan kata teaches
excellent basic stances. Master Shimabuku was one of those few
masters who continued to teach Seisan as a beginning form. Most
others taught this kata to black belts only.
-
Seiuchin
– It is
slightly more advanced than Seisan, and was developed by Master
Chojun Miyagi. The name means “calmness in the eye of the
storm.” It contains no kicks and serves as a prime example of
Goju-Ryu. The Seiuchin stance is also referred to as the “horse
stance.”
-
Naihanchi – The
major contribution of this Shorin-Ryu kata lies in the training
and building up of the lower body (waist and legs). The
Naihanchi stance is also known as the “iron-horse stance”
because the feet are planted to the ground, making this one of
the most important katas in Isshin-Ryu.
-
Wansu – According to
legend, this kata was brought to Okinawa in 1683 by Wansu, a
Chinese envoy, and later refined by Okinawan karate masters.
This Shorin-Ryu kata is known for its hidden punch, but in
Isshin-Ryu it is sometimes known as the “dumping form” because
of the throw it contains.
-
Chinto – Although
the history of this kata is vague, legend maintains that it was
brought to Okinawa by Chinto, a shipwrecked Chinese sailor. It
provides training against opponents on a narrow path, and comes
from Shorin-Ryu having been a favorite of Master Kyan Chotoku.
-
Kusanku – A Chinese
karate master, Kusanku, brought this kata to Okinawa in 1761.
It trains one to fight at night and also comes from Shorin-Ryu.
-
Sunsu – This kata
was created by Master Shimabuku, and is names after him. Sunsu
(meaning strong man) was his nickname. The kata provides some
of the most advanced training received from any kata, and
incorporates what Master Shimabuku considered some of the best
combative moves know.
-
Sanchin – Although
this kata was taken from Goju-Ryu, its principle is the basis of
all martial arts. It is a meditative exercise designed to train
one in muscle and breathe control and thereby enhance the
mind-body relationship. Undoubtedly, it is the most difficult
kata to master requiring many years of diligent practice.
Non-Traditional Empty Hand Katas:
- Ichibon – This is a
kata that was developed at the Pete Mills School. It puts
Charts I and II in to a kata form. This is taught to students
after they have a thorough understanding of the Charts. It is
used when a student does not have enough time to run the Charts
separately.
- Kumite Rock – This
is also a kata that was developed at the Pete Mills School. It
provides the student with functional sparring techniques.
Traditional
Isshin-Ryu Weapon Katas
(Click on the kata name
for a video of Master Shimabuku running the kata)
-
Kusanku Sai
-
Chatan Yara No Sai
-
Tokomine No Kon
-
Urasai No Kon Bo
-
Shi Shi No Kon No Dai
- Bo-Bo Kumite
- Bo-Sai Kumite
-
Kyan no Sai
Non-Traditional Isshin-Ryu Weapon
Katas
- Nunchuck
- Kama
- Sword
In summation, katas are
designed to provide combative training and to aid the student in the
development of a harmonious mind-body relationship (mind and body
acting as “one”). In studying katas, the student should progress
through three stages:
- Learn the moves of
each kata with interpretations of each move
- Determine the proper
breathing in each kata
- Include “sanchin” in
the performance of each
Progression through the
three stages requires many hours of training. The hours of
repetitious movement should eventually enhance combative skill and
become moving mediation rather than mere exercise.
ISSHIN-RYU STANCES
Isshin-Ryu stances depend on many
factors. Such as:
- Your opponent’s
position
- Your physical
characteristics
- Your strategy
The Do’s and Don’ts of Isshin-Ryu
Stances
- Never lock your
knees
- If your feet are
close together you will have a weak stance
- The knees should
remain slightly bent at all times
- The upper body
should remain erect at all times
- Don’t bob or weave
your head as you step
- Keep the heels down
(except in the T stance)
- Grip the floor with
your toes (this is for balance)
- Be aware of your
center of gravity
Seisan Stance
Advantages
- High center of
gravity
- Comfortable and
mobile
- Defensive, easy to
move in any direction quickly
- Strong offensive
stance, you have both hands and both feet available
- Weight is evenly
distributed (50 – 50)
Disadvantages
- Your vital points to
the front are exposed
- Sacrifices power
- Sacrifices stability
Seiuchin
Stance
Advantages
- Strong defensive
stance from either side
- Good for developing
legs, mainly the thighs
- Strong Stability
- Strong fighting
stance
- Easy to launch
offensive attack such as kicks or strikes
Disadvantages
- Lack of mobility
- Telegraphs attacks
because of low center of gravity (about 4” to 6” low)
- Lack of
maneuverability
- You can only use two
of your four major weapons without a major body shift
Naihanchin Stance
Advantages
- Strong from the side
- Good defensive and
offensive stance for fighting someone directly at your side
- Maneuverability for
close-in combat
- Counter from sweeps
- High center of
gravity, well balanced stance
- Mobile stable stance
from the side
Disadvantages
- Weak from the front
and rear (stability)
- Movement is limited
to sideways only
- Front of the body is
open
T Stance
Advantages
- A defensive stance,
especially for fast foot counters
- Easy to step at an
angle against your opponent
- Use the front leg to
block kicks, and give a kick back
Disadvantages
- Balance can easily
be upset, especially against a larger, stronger opponent
- Lack of mobility
Crane Stance
Advantages
- To cover distances
quickly
- Easy to sidestep
your opponent
- Kicks are hard to
see, using the back foot
Disadvantages
- Never used in
fighting because of lack of mobility
- Feet are turned in
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